Prayer of Peace and Prosperity

Scripture: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces. This I ask for the sake of all my brothers and my friends who live here; and may there be peace as a protection to the Temple of the Lord. Psalm 122:6-9

Observation: The psalmist expresses this prayer for Jerusalem ... peace within the city, and prosperity for those who live there. The purpose of this prayer is to benefit three entities ... brothers, friends in the city, and the Lord's house.

Application: In this very chaotic time, this same prayer is what I wish - and what many wish - for our cities and our nations. First, that there be peace within our cities, and prosperity for those who live in our communities, neighborhoods, and nation. We are praying this because we want those around us, and especially our friends, to live good and safe lives.

However, it is the last element of this passage that resonates, which is ... we also want to the Lord's house - his church - to have peace and protection. There continues the very likely threat that this will not be the case. I expect that, very soon, the attitudes of our society will continue to evolve until there is outright hostility toward Christianity, with that hostility manifesting as action against the church and those of faith.

We pray for peace throughout our land, and the primary purpose is so that the church may continue in safety, and in turn continue to safely reach others with love, aid, and the good news.

Prayer: Lord, I do pray this day for peace and prosperity in Bothell, in Washington, in the pacific northwest, and in the United States. May there be peace within our land, and within all our homes. I pray this for the sake of coworkers, friends, family, and brother and sisters in Christ. And I pray this for the safety of your church. Amen.